23 Jun 2022

362

Is mathematics created or discovered?

Format: APA

Academic level: College

Paper type: Essay (Any Type)

Words: 1017

Pages: 2

Downloads: 0

Introduction 

For centuries, scientists and scholars have raised many arguments regarding this deep and complex issue of whether math was created or discovered. The concept of mathematics can be described in enormous detail but has been outlined as the science of space, quantity, and numbers. Mathematics is useful in explaining our surroundings. For instance, economists use it for stock market modeling, physicists to formulate universe theories, and neurologists for model our thinking. Whether discovered or created, the concept has served humanity in explaining different structures and patterns we find in nature. Math comprises of both aspects of discovery and invention and thus, various components of invention initiate distinct discoveries. Although there has not been consensus in this debate, my standpoint on this debate is that mathematics was invented by humankind. The idea of consistency in mathematics has supported my claims. Various mathematical components have been interlinked and resolved as a result of flexibility in mathematics, the reason why the concept is essential in explaining reality. 

Mathematics is innate. It is the natural language of scientific behavior, and its components are inherent to nature. For instance, if the universe were to disappear tomorrow, there would be no elements of mathematics just as there would be no soccer, chess, and other sets of regulations with linked structures that we invented (Livio, 2015) . Thus, it has become a challenge for humans to continue to develop and understand the workings of mathematics in order to gain control over physical phenomena. Scientists and physicists research day-to-day to understand the workings of the universe. Many mathematical formulas have been designed to explain the different concepts we encounter in our daily lives. The utmost goal math is appropriate in relating the atmosphere around us is that we devised it to perform the function. We create mathematics as we go on with life to accommodate our needs and purposes, and as such, it is a product of humankind (Babuschkin, 2016) . In modern times, scientists have invented many technological components due to the distinctive nature of math. Individuals have displayed exemplary arithmetic skills that have been utilized in different industrial settings. If math were not invented, humans would still be struggling to deal with ancient forms of civilization that did not seem to be effective. In that way, through the invention of mathematics, operations have been made easier for everyone, and industries have been able to cut down on unnecessary costs by employing advanced technologies born by math. Hence, we can all agree that the invention of math has revolutionized our perception of how we see the world to a significant extent, as it would not be the case without such a creation. 

It’s time to jumpstart your paper!

Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.

Get custom essay

The perception of intuitionists. They believe that math is the creation of humanity. Mathematical concepts only exist in our minds ( Voskoglou, 2018) . Various concepts of math, such as matrix multiplication, algebra, and statistical computations, are invented. We only discover the consequences of such thoughts. In most cases, we consciously create sets of an axiom that make us establish facts we want to be accurate. With imaginary numbers, the idea is right, as we tend to invent them in order to discover solutions to tricky situations and solve problems. The discipline of mathematics is broad, consisting of calculus, finance, accounting, and components of physics. Intuitionists believe that we have the ideas in our minds but only invent them when we are faced with predicaments in our lives. Scholars created the numbers we use to solve problems in the ancient era. Without such an invention, the concept of math would probably be not familiar to many individuals. It is through the invention of numbers that other scientists have gained a broad understanding of the discipline to come up with more concepts we use today. There is no doubt that it has become a language of science, and intuitionists believe it is an invention that has enabled individuals to make technological advancement. Mathematicians have therefore played a key role in taking this invention to an advanced level by creating more complex concepts, which have been utilized in studying other disciplines. 

Discussions from scientists and questions we ask every day prove that math was invented. For instance, how do we explain the phenomena of classical magnetism by just four equations of mathematics? The concept of quantum electrodynamics that describes the interactions between matter and light has been demonstrated using mathematical theory. Recent inventions like determining an electron's magnetic momentum were done by scientists and proved astonishing. Mathematics has puzzled many individuals due to its complex and compelling concepts and has thus, been used as a “torch” to light way through natural phenomena. The mathematical concepts we learn in schools like geometries and calculus are all inventions of past famous mathematicians (Lessel, 2016). Exploration of the world around us may be described as artistic, which requires human creativity and originality. In cognition terms, many units of measurements we use today are human inventions. All quantifications and explicit digits in physics and math are interlinked with various laws that were developed by scientists to describe certain phenomena. Arguments of many scientists outline that humans create multiple rules that govern our universe. In this sense, mathematics was nonexistence, but the universe was. We can only argue that physics was discovered, but math was not as it is not a geometric idea of reality (Strogatz, 2017). I do believe that the human mind is wired to enjoy, express, and understand mathematical reasoning. A nymph of mathematics thus inspires the rules we invent, as working by itself, our brain can create such a fascinating concept that cannot be illustrated in other forms. 

Conclusion 

The evidence from this paper is sufficient to support that humans created the concept of mathematics. Mathematicians invented many ideas in this field, which we use to solve contemporary issues. Modern days mathematicians and physicists have modified the ancient understand to fit our purposes and needs. From this discussion, we can agree that if humans did not exist, the idea of math would also be non-existent. As a result, the concept was developed in some individual's minds through reasoning, who, in turn, established them through writings to use. We cannot say mathematics was discovered. It is a human invention. I do not see how individuals would argue various concepts such as calculus, algebraic expressions, simulations, and time series analysis are discoveries we use to navigate through life. As such, I see it as a human's creative way of advancing in life by making use of shapes, lines, sets, and numbers from the world around us. In this regard, we can conclude that mathematics is like a game set that was invented with its collection of rules and pieces. 

References 

Babuschkin, D. (2016). Mathematics: Invented or Discovered? – Thinking Minds. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from http://www.thinking-minds.net/mathematics-invented-discovered/ 

Lessel, M. (2016), "About the Origin: Is Mathematics Discovered or Invented?" Volume 24 - 2016 . 39. 

Livio, M. (2015). Math: Discovered, Invented, or Both?. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/great-math-mystery/ 

Strogatz, S. (2017). Is Math Invented or Discovered? An Argument for Invention. Retrieved 23 October 2019, from https://neurdiness.wordpress.com/2017/08/01/is-math-invented-or-discovered-an-argument-for-invention/ 

Voskoglou, M. (2018). Is mathematics invented or discovered by humans?.  Philosophy of Mathematics Education Journal , (33). 

Illustration
Cite this page

Select style:

Reference

StudyBounty. (2023, September 16). Is mathematics created or discovered?.
https://studybounty.com/is-mathematics-created-or-discovered-essay

illustration

Related essays

We post free essay examples for college on a regular basis. Stay in the know!

17 Sep 2023
Maths

Bernhard Riemann's Life and Contribution to Mathematics

Introduction Riemann Bernhard was an extraordinary mathematics professor at Göttingen, where he did most of his work in geometry, number theory, real as well as complex analysis. Having a strict Christian...

Words: 2630

Pages: 12

Views: 43

17 Sep 2023
Maths

How to Solve Problems: The 4-Step Problem Solving Process

Lesson Topic: Addition and Subtraction Grade: K-2nd Subject: Math Time: 40 minutes Introduction Problem solving provides a framework for developing higher-order thinking skills. However, many students...

Words: 598

Pages: 2

Views: 446

17 Sep 2023
Maths

What is the Goodness of Fit Test?

Null hypothesis, H0: The candies are uniformly distributed Alternative hypothesis, H1: The candies are not uniformly distributed. Chi-square = } Degrees of freedom = No. of groups-1= 6-1 =5 =0.0

Words: 79

Pages: 3

Views: 80

17 Sep 2023
Maths

Managerial Ethics in Financial Analysis and Accounting

Companies try to increase their value by using effectively all the resources provided to them by regulators, debtors, and shareholders. Mangers have fiduciary responsibilities and duties, which affects how they...

Words: 276

Pages: 1

Views: 56

17 Sep 2023
Maths

Using and Understanding Mathematics: Prologue Order of Operation

Order of operations involves addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squaring, and more. The importance of the concept is understanding the order in which to solve a problem. If you calculate in the wrong...

Words: 143

Pages: 1

Views: 413

17 Sep 2023
Maths

Workplace Diversification at Coca Cola

The idea of incorporating both domestic and international clients has created a need for businesses to diversify their workforce. In the past decades, the nature of various workplaces featured members of a similar...

Words: 926

Pages: 3

Views: 89

illustration

Running out of time?

Entrust your assignment to proficient writers and receive TOP-quality paper before the deadline is over.

Illustration